vv-440

[Norfolkguy]

I'm finally getting an orthophonic machine, it is a vv-440, for 145.00. Any thought on this model?

[pughphonos]

A 4-40 is a great model. Had one for awhile; am considering buying the same phonograph back. Long story.

There are several real experts on this forum on the Victor Orthophonics and some have already weighed in on the 4-40. One stated that the 4-40 horn in good condition sounds wonderful, although that particular model often requires work on the horn as it is prone to separations that lessen its resonance.

Don't think you went wrong there at that price, no matter what restoration work lies ahead. It's a beautiful machine, isn't it? It has a modernist 1920s look as opposed to the lingering Victorian elements on its immediate predecessor, the 4-4 ("Granada").

Ralph

[whoopinola]

I've had a 4-40 for many years...untill the 8-12 arrived it was my main machine...$145 is a great price , especially if it's got a good reproducer. The pot metal back bracket often has a mind of it's own , if yours is intact it's a double bonus

[Norfolkguy]

A 4-40 is a great model. Had one for awhile; am considering buying the same phonograph back. Long story.

There are several real experts on this forum on the Victor Orthophonics and some have already weighed in on the 4-40. One stated that the 4-40 horn in good condition sounds wonderful, although that particular model often requires work on the horn as it is prone to separations that lessen its resonance.

Don't think you went wrong there at that price, no matter what restoration work lies ahead. It's a beautiful machine, isn't it? It has a modernist 1920s look as opposed to the lingering Victorian elements on its immediate predecessor, the 4-4 ("Granada").

Ralph

Thanks Ralph, it is a beautiful design. It will need some work, but that's the fun part! They never show up in my area, so I'm really excited!

Patrick

[Norfolkguy]

I've had a 4-40 for many years...untill the 8-12 arrived it was my main machine...$145 is a great price , especially if it's got a good reproducer. The pot metal back bracket often has a mind of it's own , if yours is intact it's a double bonus

The pot metal is my only concern, I can handle the cosmetic issues, but the reproducer and bracket
can be a pain...oh well, it's great fun anyhow!

[Norfolkguy]

I got it, couldn't be more amazed with the sound! One thing, only Victor Orthophonic records trigger the auto stop. It came from the original owners grandson, with full albums of goodies, even Vernon Dalhart sounds amazing on this. I also have about 15 Emerson records, never seen these in my neck of the woods, except for a tiny Over There record with Norah Bayes. Pretty cool. Everything sounds amazing on this babe, couldn't be happier!

[Lenoirstreetguy]

They are nice little machines and I have always regretted parting with mine. I thought I'd find one in better shape and it hasn't happened. Here's the catalog page from the 1928 Canadian Victor Machine Catalog.
I was always pleased with the sound. The have a lot of oomph for a small horn...even it if is folded.

Jim

[De Soto Frank]

There is one on of these taunting me in a local "antique" shop ( more 1970's dinettes and bad "chandeliers" than "antiques"), what draws me to it is that it's VE-440 (induction motor)... what puts me off is the broken back-bracket for the taper-tube.

They are asking $250...

I might see if the price is negotiable...

[pughphonos]

Go for it! Let's spark a 4-40 revival.

BTW, love your disparaging comments on the "antique shop" with tacky chandeliers and 1970s dinettes. When one finds a nice item among them it knocks your socks off.

Ralph

[Norfolkguy]

They are nice little machines and I have always regretted parting with mine. I thought I'd find one in better shape and it hasn't happened. Here's the catalog page from the 1928 Canadian Victor Machine Catalog.
I was always pleased with the sound. The have a lot of oomph for a small horn...even it if is folded.

Jim

Nope, it has plenty of oomph, my neighbors are hating me....I have soft tone needles on order! Love the advertisement, thanks for sharing.